Review of Bad Lieutenant (1992) by Alexander F — 21 Apr 2010
A huge, howling cry of a film, Abel Ferrara's dark and sordid character study of a completely depraved and immoral NYC detective on the trail of two rapists who assaulted a nun in Spanish Harlem is distinguished by a raw and uncompromising performance by the inimitable Harvey Keitel.
His role of the unnamed Lieutenant, a disturbingly corrupt and debased drug and gambling addict, not above shaking down junkies or stealing evidence for a fix or intimidating young women in performing lewd acts, is nothing short of visceral - it's hard to see any other high-profile actor taking on such an unflattering and repellent portrayal.
However, the film is not without flaws - Ferrara keeps hitting us over the head with his penchant for Catholic symbolism, and the climax is sadly predictable.
This review of Bad Lieutenant (1992) was written by Alexander F on 21 Apr 2010.
Bad Lieutenant has generally received positive reviews.
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